3,129 seek injunction to halt US flights over Futenma

March 31, 2012

A group of 3,129 people living in the vicinity of the U.S. Futenma base in Okinawa’s Ginowan City on March 30 filed a lawsuit with the Naha District Court seeking an injunction against U.S. aircraft flights.

This is the second legal action following the first one filed in 2002 by 404 plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs in the second round of the suit filed for an injunction to limit nighttime and daytime noise levels to less than 40 decibels and 65 decibels, respectively.

They are also demanding compensation from the government for past/future noise damages, arguing that the government must assume its responsibility and obligation to prevent the U.S. forces from illegal actions that threaten the safety and well-being of citizens.

The plaintiffs are questioning the lack of government responsibility in taking action to deal with the noise pollution issue.